Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
A person needs to be aware of their sin problem before they seek out or receive a Savior. The natural man’s tendency is to rationalize everything so that they give the appearance of being without blame. It is not until we confess our sins and admit our sin problem that we can be partakers in Christ. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict men of their sin.
In this story, those who have suffered the consequences of their sins have sat to break bread with Jesus. The self-righteous ask him why he chose this group of men to have as his company. Jesus replies tongue in cheek, that he has come to save sinners. He naturally felt that they should sit with him also, but they were not willing to admit to being sinners like these men. Until they allow Jesus to go before them as their Redeemer, they will continue to be his enemy and not his follower and they will remain in their sin.
Daily Prayer: Father, free us all up to make open confession before you. Free us up also be agree with you about our sin and rest in you for our forgiveness. Let me live a life of gratitude and peace as a result of my sins being forgiven. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
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